At least nine people lost their lives and over 27 others were injured after a stockpile of confiscated explosives detonated inside a police station in Srinagar, Indian illegally occupied Kashmir (IIOJK).
The blast occurred late on Friday night at the Nowgam police station during a forensic examination.
Most of those killed were policemen and forensic officials examining the explosives. Two additional victims were officials from the Srinagar administration. Reports indicate that five of the injured remain in critical condition, suggesting that the death toll could rise.
NDTV senior executive editor Aditya Raj Kaul clarified that the incident was not a terror attack but an unfortunate accident during the forensic check of the explosive materials.
Connection to recent New Delhi blast
The explosion in Srinagar comes just days after a deadly car blast in New Delhi on Monday near the historic Red Fort, which killed at least 12 people and was officially classified as a terrorist incident.
Authorities had seized weapons and explosives from suspects in New Delhi just hours before the blast, raising concerns over a potential network of terror-related activities.
Investigation and background
The Nowgam police station had been investigating posters by the JeM group, warning of attacks on security forces and “outsiders.” Authorities said this led to uncovering a “white-collar terror ecosystem,” involving radicalised professionals and students in contact with foreign handlers, allegedly operating from Pakistan and other countries.
Police recovered nearly 3,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, a common explosive material, indicating the group was stockpiling a massive quantity capable of a major attack in India.
